How to Declutter, Make Cash, and Help Other Parents All at Once
Let’s be honest: if you’ve got kids, you’ve got stuff — clothes, toys, books, strollers, high chairs, bottles, and gear that you probably didn’t even realize you owned. One day it’s brand new and essential. The next day, your little one has outgrown it, lost interest, or moved on. That’s where Facebook Marketplace comes in. It’s one of the best places to turn your growing pile of kids’ items into cold, hard cash — and fast.
But here’s the thing… Not all listings are created equal. Some fly off the screen within hours. Others sit for weeks with zero messages. The difference? A few smart strategies.
So whether you're a first-time seller or a busy parent looking to clean house, here are tried-and-true tips for selling kids’ items on Facebook Marketplace.
1. Clean and Prep Everything First
No one wants to buy sticky toys or stained clothes, even if they’re cheap. Make your stuff look as close to new as possible.
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Wash clothing and fold it neatly.
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Wipe down plastic toys, car seats, and strollers with a mild cleaner.
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Remove stickers, crayon marks, or food crumbs from books and gear.
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Replace batteries in toys that light up or make sounds.
Presentation matters. When your items look clean and well cared for, buyers feel better about grabbing them for their kids.
2. Take Bright, Clear Photos
This is probably the biggest deal-breaker for most buyers. A dim, blurry photo of a baby swing shoved in the corner of a garage just doesn’t cut it.
Use these photo tips:
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Take pictures during the daytime using natural light near a window.
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Use a neutral background (like a clean wall or blanket).
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Include multiple angles: front, back, side, and close-ups of details or flaws.
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Show the tags on clothes or the inside of items like diaper bags.
Great photos build trust — and trust leads to sales.
3. Write Descriptions Like a Helpful Friend
You don’t need to be a copywriter. Just imagine you’re explaining the item to another parent in a friendly way.
Here’s what to include:
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What it is and what condition it’s in“Like-new Fisher-Price bouncer, used just a few times. Super clean, no stains or tears.”
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Age range or size“Fits 3T, runs a little big. Great for toddlers 2–4.”
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Brand name (especially for trusted baby brands like Graco, Chicco, Carter’s, etc.)
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Any extras or accessories“Includes original charger, plus a spare battery.”
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Why you’re selling it“My son grew out of it in a week!”
Make it easy for buyers to picture the item in their life.
4. Be Honest About Wear and Tear
It’s totally okay if something has a scratch, a small stain, or isn’t working 100% — as long as you mention it up front.
Why? Because honesty sells.
Buyers appreciate transparency, and most don’t mind minor imperfections — especially if the price is fair.
Hiding flaws just leads to wasted time, no-shows, or canceled sales.
5. Group Items Into Bundles
Let’s face it — people love a good deal. And no one wants to drive across town for a ₦2,000 onesie. That’s where bundles come in.
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Bundle clothes by size or season:“15 baby boy onesies, 3–6 months, great condition – ₦7,000 for all.”
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Bundle books or toys:“Toddler book bundle – 8 picture books for ₦5,000.”
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Create themed packs:“Potty training kit: potty seat, training pants, reward chart – ₦4,500.”
Buyers love bundles because they feel like they’re getting more for less — and you get rid of more in one go.
6. Price Fairly (Not Emotionally)
We get it — you spent a lot on that stroller. It’s practically family. But buyers don’t care what you paid, only what it’s worth now.
Here’s how to price smart:
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Search for similar items on Marketplace in your area.
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If yours is in better condition or includes extras, price a bit higher.
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For clothes, aim for ₦500–₦1000 per piece, or bundle for value.
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For gear, 30–50% off retail is standard unless it’s brand new.
Pro tip: Leave a little room to negotiate. Everyone loves feeling like they scored a deal.
7. Use Keywords in Your Listing Titles
People search on Marketplace. And if your title doesn’t include the right words, your item might not show up.
Use clear, searchable phrases:
Avoid vague stuff like “Nice kids toy” or “Bundle” without details.
The more specific your title, the better your chances of showing up in search results.
8. Respond Quickly and Be Friendly
Once your listing goes live, your phone might start buzzing — and if you’re slow to respond, you’ll lose sales.
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Turn on notifications for Messenger.
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Reply fast, even if it’s just to say you’ll follow up later.
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Keep your tone warm and polite.“Thanks for your message! It’s still available 😊”
Be patient with questions. Buyers (especially parents) want to feel confident before they make a decision.
9. Schedule Safe, Easy Pickups
Parents are busy — just like you. Make pickups quick and convenient.
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Offer a porch pickup if you’re comfortable.
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Choose a public location (like a gas station or grocery store lot) for bigger items.
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Avoid sketchy spots or late-night meetups.
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Keep cash/change handy for smaller sales.
And always message a quick reminder an hour before pickup. Helps avoid no-shows!
10. Use Tags Like “Cross-Posted” and “Smoke-Free Home”
These little phrases build trust and help your listing stand out.
A little extra info goes a long way.
11. Refresh Listings Every Few Days
If something hasn’t sold, it might just be buried in Marketplace’s feed. Don’t assume no one wants it!
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Delete and relist the item every few days.
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Or use Facebook’s “renew listing” feature.
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Adjust the price slightly if it’s been sitting too long.
Sometimes a fresh listing is all it takes to catch the right buyer’s eye.
12. Offer Deals to Returning Buyers
This one’s powerful: once someone buys from you and has a good experience, they’re much more likely to buy again.
So make it worth their while.
Not only are you helping someone out, you’re building your own little customer base.
13. Stay Organized and Track What’s Available
Once you start selling a bunch of items, it’s easy to lose track. That’s how you end up telling someone an item is available… then realizing you sold it two days ago.
Use a simple system:
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Label your items with post-it notes.
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Keep a note or Google Doc listing what’s sold vs what’s pending.
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Mark items as “sold” immediately on Marketplace after the sale.
Staying on top of things = less confusion and happier buyers.
14. Get Into Local Parent Buy & Sell Groups
Facebook has hundreds of local groups for parents — and they’re goldmines for buyers looking specifically for kids’ items.
Search terms like:
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“Mom swap [your city]”
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“Buy sell trade kids [your town]”
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“Baby gear resale [your area]”
Post your items there (with admin permission), and you’ll often get better visibility than Marketplace alone.
15. Think Like a Buyer
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Would you drive 30 minutes for that old toy? Would you buy stained onesies from a stranger?
Probably not.
So, ask yourself:
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Does this item look clean and worth the price?
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Would I feel good handing this over to another parent?
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Am I making this sale easy and quick?
If the answer is yes — then boom, you’re doing it right.
Conclusion: Clear the Clutter, Help Another Family, and Make Some Cash
Selling kids’ items on Facebook Marketplace isn’t just about decluttering — it’s about turning what your kids have outgrown into something useful for another family (and getting some cash in the process).
It’s a win-win.
By following these tips — taking great photos, writing honest descriptions, bundling smart, and keeping your interactions friendly — you’ll not only sell faster, but build a reputation as someone people want to buy from.
And who knows? That one toy sale today might just lead to a regular buyer tomorrow.
So grab your phone, take a few pics, and start listing. Your cluttered closet could be someone else’s treasure.
Happy selling!
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